Steel Markets
Active Oil and Gas Rig Counts Rise
Written by Brett Linton
May 16, 2014
According to Baker Hughes data from May 16th, 2014, the U.S rig count for this week is 1,861 rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas. This count is an increase of 6 rigs when compared to last week, with oil rigs up 3 to 1,531 rigs, gas rigs up 3 to 326 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 4 rigs. Compared to last year the 1,861 count is an increase of 92 rigs, with oil rigs up by 123, gas rigs down by 28, and miscellaneous rigs down by 3.
The Canadian rig count increased by 8 to 153 rigs this week, following the seasonal trend associated with Canadian drill rigs. Oil rigs are up 8 to 62 rigs and gas rigs are unchanged at 91 rigs. Compared to last year the 153 count is an increase of 30 rigs, with oil rigs down by 8 and gas rigs up by 38. International rigs increased by 4 to 1,349 rigs for the month of April, an increase of 48 rigs from the same month one year ago. For a history of both the US and Canadian rig count click here.
About the Rotary Rig Count
A rotary rig is one that rotates the drill pipe from the surface to either drill a new well or sidetracking an existing one. They are drilled to explore for, develop and produce oil or natural gas. The Baker Hughes Rotary Rig count includes only those rigs that are significant consumers of oilfield services and supplies.
The Baker Hughes North American Rotary Rig Count is a weekly census of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the United States and Canada. Rigs considered active must be on location and drilling. They are considered active from the time they break ground until the time they reach their target depth.
The Baker Hughes International Rotary Rig Count is a monthly census of active drilling rigs exploring for or developing oil or natural gas outside of the United States and Canada. International rigs considered active must be drilling at least 15 days during the month. The Baker Hughes International Rotary Rig Count does not include rigs drilling in Russia or onshore China.
Brett Linton
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